Teenagers are among the riskiest categories of drivers when it comes to accidents. Teenagers do not have completely mature neuro activity, which can often lead to difficulty in reacting defensively while driving. This is the primary reason why insuring teenagers is much more expensive. Parents who have teenage drivers on an insurance policy are responsible for any accidents they have. Here are some things you should know before you allow your teen behind the wheel.
There Are No Exceptions
You first should understand there are no special accommodations for teenagers when they get into an accident when they drive. Just like any other licensed driver, teens have to follow all rules and laws. If your teen drives recklessly and gets into an accident, you and your teen are all responsible for any damages as a result.
If your child's accident results in an injury of another person, you can expect to pay for the victim's medical expenses as well as for any property damage. If the accident is severe, you could also have to pay punitive damages in the form of pain and suffering. Your insurance premium is also going to increase as a result of the accident.
Liability Laws
Most all states hold liability laws which require the parent of guardian of a teen driver to be responsible for his or her actions. These laws begin once your teen obtains a driver's license and begins to drive on public roadways.
The only way for parents or guardians to not have liability for their teen driver's actions is if you do not have any full-time contact with the child. You therefore are unable to fully supervise the actions of the teen driver and could potentially avoid liability for the accident. You should check to ensure this is the law in your state, however, before you try to avoid liability.
A Parent's Responsibility
Responsibility and liability are two different concepts when it comes to accidents and teenagers. Parents have the responsibility to help prevent a teenage driver from getting into an accident. While you may not have had anything to do with the actual accident, you are responsible for ensuring your child is capable of driving reasonably. For example, if your child has a problem with driving after the sun goes down and cannot see properly, you have the responsibility of not allowing your teen to drive during those times. You know the risk if you allow your teen to drive when he or she is not able to do so safely.
For more information, contact an auto accident attorney.
If you've recently moved into a new house and your neighbors are claiming you've infringed on their property line with your new fence, you may not know what to do. Sure, the idea of contacting a lawyer can be intimidating, but if your neighbors are insistent that you're on their property and you can't prove otherwise, an attorney may be the best choice. I created this site to help people just like you understand the laws surrounding property boundaries, real estate claims, and similar issues. I hope that the information here will give you some clarity as to whether or not you need to consult an attorney to protect your interests.